Thiess chosen as preferred contractor for Hillside Copper-Gold Project

Rex Minerals Ltd announced that the CIMIC Group company Thiess has been chosen as the preferred tenderer for mining services at the Hillside Copper-Gold Project in South Australia. 

Thiess has secured a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) enabling the two companies to work together to deliver “an optimal mining solution” to the Hillside operations. 

The Mining Services Contract is due to be awarded in late 2022 once pricing and contract terms have been finalised. 

“We are very excited about this partnering opportunity with Thiess. Thiess is an exceptional Tier 1 mining services provider with well documented experience with projects at large scale in this region. Working together we are well places to drive a sustainable mining approach and contribute to a lower carbon future for the Hillside mine. 

“Rex remains focused on bringing Hillside into production. The depth and experience that Thiess can bring in delivering this objective is a massive de-risking step for the Company,” Rex Minerals CEO Richard Laufmann said. 

Subject to a contract being awarded, Thiess’ scope of works will include the provision of mining services as well as operating and maintaining mining fleets that will support the greenfield copper operation. 

Once the contract has been finalised and awarded, delivery of mining services is anticipated to commence in July 2023. 

“We are delighted to be taking the next steps towards a partnership with Rex Minerals on the Hillside Project. In line with our strategy to diversify our commodities and services, we are positioning Thiess at the forefront of sustainable mining. We share Rex Minerals’ belief in the significant contribution that metals make to a renewable future, and to the local communities and broader economy,” Thiess Executive Chair and CEO Michael Wright said. 

“We look forward to collaborating with Rex Minerals, the Narungga People, local businesses and the community to deliver safe, strong operational performance and sustainable outcomes for all of our people and stakeholders,” Thiess Executive General Manager for Australia West Spencer Jose said. 

Source: Rex Minerals

The Hillside Copper-Gold Project is located in the Yorke Peninsula, approximately 165 kilometres from Adelaide by road and 12 kilometres south of Androssan. 

The Hillside Project is one of the largest undeveloped open pit copper mines in Australia. The mine currently contains 2Mt (million tonnes) of copper as well as 1.4Moz (million ounces) of gold. 

The project is wholly owned by Rex Minerals and it includes the construction of the open pit mine, processing facility, water and power supply options, and other associated infrastructure. 

Source: Thiess; CIMIC Group; Rex Minerals (1, 2); Australian Mining; International Mining